Jacques Rudolph has smashed an unbeaten century to help South Africa salvage a draw on the final day of the opening cricket test against Australia in Perth.

Rudolph, who resumed at 18 not-out Tuesday, spent the entire day in the crease. He scored 102 not-out from 283 balls in 431 minutes and received strong support from Justin Kemp who joined him for a 112-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

At the close of play South Africa had reached 287-5, still 204 runs short of the record victory target of 491, but good enough to earn a draw in the opener of the three-test series.

The two teams will now head to Melbourne in preparation for the second test which starts on December 26.